WorkSafeNB warns employers about misleading calls

October 2, 2015

WorkSafeNB is warning New Brunswick employers about people
making misleading calls suggesting the employers' safety
goods and services are not adequate under New Brunswick’s
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.

In particular, there are recent concerns of employers being
asked to replace first aid kits or take external Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training.

WorkSafeNB occasionally receives complaints about people
claiming to be WorkSafeNB employees, or claiming to act on
WorkSafeNB’s behalf, trying to sell goods and services. In some
cases, the person tries to convince an employer to buy upgraded
safety equipment from them or face fines under the OHS
Act. They may also suggest that workers could be denied
benefits without their training.

In other cases, the person does not associate themselves with
WorkSafeNB but says that if you don’t buy their equipment, then you
will not be in compliance with the OHS Act and will report
you to WorkSafeNB.

WorkSafeNB does not sell any services or
products. It provides its services at no additional
cost to employers, workers and others, and usually communicates in
writing on official letterhead or email. Any WorkSafeNB staff
member who visits your workplace will have WorkSafeNB
identification, which you are entitled to see.

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so compensation
would never be denied to a worker injured on the job because of
insufficient training.

If someone contacts you saying they represent WorkSafeNB and
tells you that you must buy a product or training service to be in
compliance with legislation, BEWARE! Verify their identity and
remember: WorkSafeNB does not sell products. If you have any
questions or concerns, please contact our nearest regional office
or call 1 800 222-9775.